Super 12 Dragon Boat Regatta

Restrictions:All Ages

Ticket Information:

For the first time ever Aoraki Dragons bring the colour, noise and excitement of dragon boating to Akaroa Harbour! What's more, this is your first chance to see the new "Small Boats" racing in the South Island.

Join the festivities on the sandy beach of Children's Bay, right in Akaroa township. Aoraki Dragons had their "ice breaker" three weeks before Xmas at Pegasus Lake, their normal venue, but now it's time to hot things up!

A few years ago, we added more regatta for their paddlers, but teams struggle to get the numbers in a boat for the January event. Mostly because people head away to the beach for their holidays. Solution... follow them to the beach!

All you need are 8 or 10 paddlers (plus a sweep, and a caller), instead of the full crew of 22 in a boat. If teams don't have a sweep, we can allocate one. Composite teams and casual paddlers are welcome. Just $5 per paddler (or caller/sweep) on the day.

The events on display will also be a little different. Plenty of fun races and chances for on-the-water glory.

First race is around Midday - to allow teams to come over from Christchurch, and locals to finish their Eggs Bennie in the many cafes! They begin with the exciting "Le Mans" style races. Three boats line up on the beach, with one paddler sitting well back on the sand. At the sound of the Hooter the paddler legs it into the boat, they paddle straight out from the beach and around a buoy in the harbour and back onto the beach. Another runner from the boat sprints to the Finish Line on the beach.

To the main event, and teams will compete in 250 metre sprint races, from the start line in the middle of the Bay, racing staight in to the finish line just by the boat ramp and pier on Rue Brittan (by Jubilee Park). Plenty of brilliant spots for viewing the action. Each team competes in two Heats (or three if time allows), 5 or 6 races per heat, 3 boats per race. With only 10 minutes between each race start, there is plenty of action! Then all teams race in a Final, just after 5pm.

Aoraki Dragons are thrilled to be working with Akaroa District Promotions and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism to bring racing to Banks Peninsular. Come and experience the colour and excitement of the dragons!